Valley Metro extension nears halfway point

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton assists with placement of the first track. Valley Metro

On July 12 the Northwest Phoenix community, along with national and local officials, celebrated significant construction progress on the 3.2-mile Northwest Phoenix light-rail extension. The first track celebration, on 19th Avenue, commemorated a milestone as the Phoenix Valley Metro project nears the halfway point.

"The Valley's light-rail system is one of the most successful in the country, ranking at the top in ridership," said U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ). "We're not going to stop here. We're going to continue to build a regional transit system that will serve our growing community."

"This is an important milestone for Phoenix residents," said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. "It is projects like this that create jobs in the community. This is how you help grow the economy – by building the city of Phoenix through infrastructure."

At the celebration, guests watched as elected officials placed the ceremonial plaque in the area where the first track was laid. The Northwest Phoenix light-rail extension will extend light rail from Montebello to Dunlap avenues and is expected to open in 2016.